Plan Your Visit to the Historic Capitol

Museum Hours and Admission

Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Sunday & Holidays Noon - 4:30 pm
Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Admission is free, however donations to support our preservation program are appreciated.

Arrival Information

Reception Desk

When you arrive at the Historic Capitol, please check in at the Reception Desk located on the first floor Rotunda. The first floor is one level above ground and is reached by climbing the stairs on either the east or west sides. A staff member or docent will greet you, welcome your group to the building, provide general directions and be available for general assistance. Please confirm with the staff member the size of your group, the amount of time you have for the visit, and the educational program options you desire. To help us improve our programs and services, please complete a Visitor Evaluation Questionnaire and return it to the Reception Desk before you leave.

Proper Behavior

The Historic Capitol can be quite busy, especially during the legislative session and around elections. We often have more than one group as well as many individual drop-in visitors. Your cooperation in maintaining a quiet atmosphere for other visitors is appreciated. Please have at least one adult for each ten students, and the usual "library manners" apply. Food and drinks are not permitted in the exhibit areas. Water fountains are available next to the restrooms. Special access is available from the northwest entrance on the courtyard side and with elevators to each floor.

Small Exhibit Rooms

Many of the Museum's exhibit rooms have limited space; therefore, groups of not more than 10 students and a chaperone may be in a small exhibit room at any given time.

Photographic Opportunity

The staircase in the main Rotunda provides a wonderful opportunity for a group photograph. This can be taken just before the Welcome introduction.

Prearranged Visits

Groups may schedule programs in advanced by contacting info@flhistoriccapitol.gov or by calling (850) 487-1902.

Welcome Rotunda

Students receive an overview of the history of the 1902 capitol, which housed all three branches of Florida government. Students are oriented to the exhibits, which explore the intriguing world of Florida politics.

Time: 10 minutes
Cost: Free (donations appreciated)
Limit: 60 participants

Florida in the Balance Video
in the Introductory Theater (Room 102)

Learn how state government and its leaders serve citizens through programs that meet the diverse needs and interests of Floridians. It is shown on three 50” plasma screens.

Time: 8 minutes
Cost: Free
Limit: 35 students

Issues in the House of Representatives Chamber (Room 206)

During this interactive experience, students will learn about debating a legislative issue while sitting at a Representative’s desk in the restored 1902 House Chamber. After careful consideration, students will cast their vote on legislation dealing with the Cross-Florida Barge Canal, Equal Rights Amendment, or Opportunity Scholarships. The groups’ final vote is compared with the historic vote.

Suggested grade levels: 4-8
Time: 20 minutes
Cost: Free
Limit: 50 students

Balance of Power in Restored Areas

Students visit the historic Supreme Court, House and Senate Chambers, and Governor’s Suite to learn how past Florida officials balanced the roles of government. This program traces the 1903 Everglades Reclamation Program through the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches. This program correlates with Sunshine State Standards and enhances skills assessed through FCAT with pre and post visit materials.

Suggested grade levels: 9-12
Program time: 45 minutes
Cost: $30
Limit: 35 students

Directions and Parking

The Historic Capitol is located in the Capitol Complex, at the intersection of Apalachee Parkway and South Monroe Street. Although the museum does not have dedicated parking, there are several parking lots in the area. There is a large public parking garage in Kleman Plaza, close to the Capitol Complex. When the legislature is in session (regular session occurs March through early May), parking can be especially challenging.

Area Dining

Some of the state office buildings in the Capitol Complex area have cafeterias that can accommodate small or large parties. Call ahead to make arrangements for large groups. Refer to the Capitol Complex Map for building locations.

  • New Capitol Cafeteria - (850) 488-6167
  • Eatz Café in the Claude Pepper Building - (850) 224-2480
  • Eatz Café in the Turlington Department of Education Building - (850) 245-0563
  • Goodies Eatery in the R. A. Gray Building – (850) 222-3336

There are several restaurants along Apalachee Parkway, North Monroe Street, Tennessee Street, and in downtown Tallahassee.